Scaling

Our hygienists are here to help you have clean, healthy teeth and prevent decay. But, what are they doing during your 6-month cleaning appointment? One of the routine steps we take for your oral health is called scaling.

What is Dental Scaling?

Very simply, this involves scraping your teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your hygienist will take tools and remove the yellowish substance that attaches to your teeth, particularly in rough or hard-to-reach areas. With your daily brushing and flossing, you help to remove some of this, but the hygienist generally is more thorough. They also have the ability to scrape off hardened plaque, known as tartar or calculus, which you cannot do at home. Scaling is not the same as root planing, [link to page: “Root Planing”] as it is simply the process of removing plaque and tartar whereas root planing smooths the roots of your teeth.

Why Do I Need Scaling?

Scaling is a preventative procedure, since buildups of plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease: gingivitis and even periodontitis. When you have scaling done every six months, you’re getting harmful bacteria removed from your mouth that would otherwise eat away at your gums as well as the bone which supports your teeth.

How Do I Know if I Need Scaling?

This is a routine procedure and will almost certainly be done at your regular cleaning appointments, which most dental bodies recommend you do every six months. The best way to know if you need it is to ask your hygienist or dentist! However, another sign that it’s time for a cleaning is if you notice that your gums are sore or swollen, or you spit a small amount of blood when you brush and floss your teeth. These may be signs of the beginnings of gum disease, and getting a proper cleaning from your hygienist is a great way to stop it in its tracks!

So if your mouth or your calendar is telling you it’s time for your next dental checkup and cleaning, just give our conveniently-located Forest Lawn office a call and we’ll take care of you!